Staying Fit on a Budget

Step foot in most gyms and the staff will try to convince you of how much you need their services. They will tell you that an expensive gym membership and a personal trainer is your own hope for fitness success. If you are motivated and willing to put in effort, you can get in the best shape of your life without a gym, trainer or expensive equipment.

Bodyweight Exercises

You don’t need a big rack of weights to build muscle. You have what you need with your own bodyweight. Simple exercises like pushups, pull-ups, dips, sit ups, lunges and squats can build a terrific body. If you have any doubt, look at the body of gymnasts and how they train. If you need instruction and want to progress quickly, look at popular Youtube channels for calisthenics and street workout.

Resistance Band

You can pick up resistance bands online, at sporting goods stores or even at Walmart for just a few dollars. Nearly every exercise you could do with weights you can do with a resistance band. They fold or roll up and fit into a tiny space, which also makes them convenient for travel.

Use an App

Keep track of your workout routines and schedules with an app, like the one offered by 24 Hour Fitness. Make a schedule for your workouts and keep track of your progress.

Walk

One of the healthiest, low impact exercises you can do is simply to walk. Make time every day to go on a hike in a nature area or just in a neighborhood park. If you can combine a walk with a hobby like bird watching or photography, it won’t even seem like something that requires an effort. You will look forward to your walk as your special “me” time. Walking will help raise your metabolism. A short walk will help you burn more calories all day long.

Whatever form of exercise you choose to do, just be sure to keep at it and do some every day. Every day try to do at least one thing that pushes your limits. Walk a little further, do a few more pushups or situps. You can get strong under your own power.